Among Kickstart’s responsibilities is to look for “innovative, scalable, sustainable solutions for seamless integration and traditional channels.” It will also “target companies that provide green and inclusive technologies such as clean energy, environmental tech and waste management, and smart technologies.”

In the same report, Kickstart President Minette Navarrete said that they will essentially focus on startup companies not only in the Philippines that offer innovations in their “early to mid-growth stage” that embody four identified investment themes. These themes are “a frictionless future; from automation to augmentation; innovations in real estate; and a world of plenty.”

“Our investment themes reflect our perspective that technology and innovation are a means to positively influence the future we want to build rather than ends in themselves. By investing in solutions that can scale sustainably, and pairing equity with strategic support, we can put Ayala Corporation’s assets to work in a different way, forging a future that is frictionless, symbiotic, equitable, and boldly efficient,” Navarette explained.

In recent years, Ayala Corporation has been aggressive in investing in technological innovations, blockchain and fintech included. Launched early 2018, the ACTIVE fund is just part of a much larger investment pie which will encompass e-commerce ventures apart from exploring new technologies and startup companies. As BitChikka reported a while back, Ayala Corporation currently supports blockchain-based inclusive digital financial platform Mynt.

Such initiatives are part of the Philippine conglomerate’s plan to stay ahead of the curve. As quoted by e27’s report, Ayala Corporation’s Chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala notes that “new technologies and business models are disrupting established industries globally.” By getting ahead, Ayala says “the group will play a role in the transformation of industries – not as a bystander, but as an innovation catalyst.”